In the state of North Carolina, over 56% of the state budget is dedicated to public education, most of which goes to K-12 (and pre-K) education. It’s specifically stated in Article IX of the state constitution that the state establish a free and viable means of educating school age-children. Sec. 2.  Uniform system of schools. … Continue reading If You Don’t Do Politics, Then Politics Will Do You

Punxsutawney Phil apparently saw his shadow this morning therefore predicting an early spring. NC has its own Phil, one who is the prognosticator of bad budgets and ill policies named “Gerrymander Phil,” and he also saw his shadow thus forecasting an ongoing budget stalemate for months to come. He always sees his shadow because he … Continue reading It’s Groundhog Day And “Gerrymander Phil” Saw His Shadow

For those teachers who might be waiting for a new budget to pass this school year and any raises for teachers that should be included in that new budget to be reimbursed through “back pay” (like past years), don’t count on it. Yes, North Carolina is the state in the country that does not have … Continue reading No NC Teacher, You Probably Will Not Get “Back Pay” For This School Year

Absolutely nothing. It's the deliberate inaction by the majority party on the bench. And there is probably some genetics involved. If this guy can stop the state budget process... ...then this guy can help hold up the Leandro case.

Here is the salary schedule that is in place for the 2025-2026 school year. And before you say, "Hey! That's the salary schedule for 2024-2025, not 2025-2026." Actually it is because the budget for this school year is frozen with last year's numbers. That's what happens when you are the only state in the country … Continue reading There Are Other Things FROZEN In NC For Public Educators

Take a look at this video. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT2qVOPkXcw/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet And this printable fact sheet is a good resource as well. It's a big reason why we need to re-elect Anita Earls to the NC State Supreme Court in 2026.

Note: The numbers for November and December in 2025 were not published on the blog because of government shutdown delays in reporting for a couple of indexes. The most current numbers for the following: SNAP Recipients Average Gas Price Average Milk Price Average Egg Prices Average Bread Price Average Beef Price Consumer Confidence Presidential Approval … Continue reading January 2026- Numbers To Consider

When a headline like this appears in the Winston-Salem Journal, it reminds anyone vested in public education that next year's budget is already in the works. It says, "a shift from how the district has put together budgets in the past." And they are going to release a new survey to get primary input. Remember … Continue reading Forgive Me WSFCS, But It’s Hard Believe You Will Listen To Us

What truly separates a legitimate school board candidate from one who should never serve is not a political party designation or a loud campaign but having a plan of positive action and a willingness to work for a solution. Those solutions are not for problems which are exclusively in certain schools with certain students being … Continue reading So WSFCS (Or Any District) School Board Candidate, Do You Actually Have Solutions?

Look at the average teacher salary in North Carolina. Then look at the average pay increase that Raleigh may be giving to teachers in a certain budget cycle. Those two values are not looking at the same set of numbers. When politicians and policy makers in Raleigh talk about average salary they are counting in … Continue reading How Local Supplements For Teachers Are Propagandized By West Jones Street (Average Teacher Salary Vs. Percentage Raise)